Air Compressors Help, Please!!!

[momuzykent 10+ year member]

I am looking into an air compressor for me that I will also be able to use at home and also in a shop as well eventually which I plan to open. I would like to use it for sanding fiberglass, nailing & staples. Its funny how I can go into Home Depot or Lowe's and no one really knows about them or can tell me anything any different than what i can see (that one is bigger and has more gallon's...oh for real like I can't read). If anyone could help me out I would greatl appreciate it. These are the 3 that I was looking at.

Thanks,

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=236704-48540-K7045V&lpage=none

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=215921-71025-KLA1883054&lpage=none

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=99007-71025-VLK1582609&lpage=none

Click to read more...

 

[coolahan 10+ year member]

i'd go with this one:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=134819-48540-K7060HFV&lpage=none

 

[~Magick_Man~ 10+ year member]

i'd go with this one:
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=134819-48540-K7060HFV&lpage=none

agreed, or the other stationary unit.

the two rolling ones dont put out a whole lot of air. only 4 and 5.7 cfm which isnt bad but if you use more than one thing at a time or use a paint gun (or any other device that consumes large amounts of air) they just wont keep up.

the two larger ones have 10.1 and 13.3 cfm which is definately better.

and it really sucks when the nail you just shot is still sticking out of the wood because the low air pressure couldnt drive it all the way in. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/furious.gif.fc81ca146dbff91fede3ed290dbc4f4c.gif

but if you dont think that would be a problem or dont want to spend the 450/500 then i would go with the 30 gallon model. it should be sufficient for most anything you will be doing.

~Magick_Man~

 

[phenryiv1 10+ year member]

Sears has a sweet deal for a 33 galon, 6 HP single stage craftsman. I have the upright version. I got it for $300 with a set of tools- air hammer, 1/2" impact wrench, and 3/8" air ratchet.

I have used it to build a deck, trim may house, and work on the car (suspension, mostly). I also used it to run a paint sprayer.

With 33 gallons, 6 HP, and the tools included, it was tough to beat.

For some reason I don't see it on the site, but I was in the store this week and it was there. It might have been $330, not on sale.

 

[rollerdj 10+ year member]

Sears has a sweet deal for a 33 galon, 6 HP single stage craftsman. I have the upright version. I got it for $300 with a set of tools- air hammer, 1/2" impact wrench, and 3/8" air ratchet.
I have used it to build a deck, trim may house, and work on the car (suspension, mostly). I also used it to run a paint sprayer.

With 33 gallons, 6 HP, and the tools included, it was tough to beat.

For some reason I don't see it on the site, but I was in the store this week and it was there. It might have been $330, not on sale.

X2, but, if you have access to a 3 phase power sorce, look into a compressor that has a 3 phase motor. i don't have my book with me now, but a 3 phase 220v motor will draw much less amparage than a single phase 110v compressor. the less amparage you draw, the less your electric bill will be. just a thought. most houses don't have that kinda power, but every now and then you'll see a house on 3 phase.

 

[sqhertz 5,000+ posts]

only big BIG houses run 3 phase. its common in restaraunts , hospitals , etc.

i wouldnt worry about the electric bill unless youre going to be waking up with a paint sprayer in hand ready to work.

 

[crow 10+ year member]

If you plan on running sanders for production type work, you want something with a large capacity that can move alot of air. Portables are great for nailers but will not be able to keep up with sandblasters or sanders.

When you buy, make sure to check out details. One of my compressors is currently down due to the factory drain valve being "cost-effective". I'm going to have to drill the thing out of the tank due to the brass being too soft to hold a wrench. Stuff like this can be a drag, especially if you are depending on it to make a living.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/mad.gif.c18f003ab0ef8a0d9c27ca78d77a6392.gif

 

[lil azn 06 10+ year member]

Question, would a 4 gallon that does 4.2 cfm at 90 psi be better than a 15 gallon that does 3.5 cfm at 90 psi? The tank would have to refill more on the smaller tank yes, but which would be better for something like an impact wrench?

From reader reviews Sears air compressors got bad ratings with the motor burning out in about a year.

 

[THUNDERBIRD 10+ year member]

go with the craftsman 33 gallon, i have the older 30 gallon version. i love it best thing i have boughten period. runs anything.

 

[Joe92GT 10+ year member]

Question, would a 4 gallon that does 4.2 cfm at 90 psi be better than a 15 gallon that does 3.5 cfm at 90 psi? The tank would have to refill more on the smaller tank yes, but which would be better for something like an impact wrench?
From reader reviews Sears air compressors got bad ratings with the motor burning out in about a year.

Basically, if your going to be taking lug nuts off with an impact wrench, either will be ok. If your planing on using an air ratchet, the 15 gallon will probably be better.

However, for ANY kind of sanding, cutting drilling , or painting, even 13.3 cfm won't keep up.

You can not have a home compressor that can become a shop compressor. It just doesn't work. Besically you would need a shop compressor at home then.

I have the 13.3 cfm model kobalt, its ok. The craftmsman 80 gallon dual stage is much better, and probably the best you'll find for under 1000.

DO NOT buy an oil less compressor and expect it to be good for anything besides occasional use (once a week for maybe 2 tank fulls).

I wish you lived closed, I'd sell you my 60 gallon.. I just got an awesome deal on an ignersol rand 80 gallon 30 cfm compressor //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Again, you get what you pay for.

 

[Mitch86 5,000+ posts]

We use a Craftsman 33gal at the body shop I work at. It just replaced an older Craftsman 30gal that the owner had used in his shop for 20+ years. So if you want a reliable compresser that'll work for just about anything you throw at it, go with the Craftsman.

 

[THUNDERBIRD 10+ year member]

i have an oil-less whats so bad about that?

 

[joshs98runner 10+ year member]

If it were my shop and I was even considering sanding, I wouldn't waste my time on anything smaller than 12 cfm and 45 gal+. We have a 30 gal at home that runs around 5cfm and it's almost a waste of time if you try to run an air wratchet or impact gun working at a quick pace... it makes a sh*t ton of noise for 10 min and shuts off for 5 if you use your tools a lot. it is great for nail guns and small projects, but running a sander on a capacity/tank that small wouldn't be worth your time or money...it's like powering killer components with a weak amp, the potential can't be reached without more power...